Green Travel Destination: Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Over twenty years ago, the town of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin turned the devastation of frequent flooding into a green opportunity. Instead of using funds to rebuild the in a flood plain, it purchased new land away from the banks of the Kickapoo River and decided to build a new business district that was energy-efficient and powered by solar energy.

Years later, Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin remains one of the top green travel destinations in the Midwest. The solar district in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin features 20 buildings that utilize a number of energy efficient features including earth berms, energy-efficient building materials and solar heating.

Things to Do in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Beyond exploring the solar village in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, there are a number of activities to enjoy while visiting this green travel destination. Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin is located in the Driftless Area, which makes up 13,000 square miles in southwest Wisconsin, northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. This area was untouched by the glaciers leaving behind an interesting mix of hills and valleys to create some of the Midwest's most scenic landscape.

Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin is the perfect green travel destination for individuals looking to get back in touch with nature. In town, visitors can explore the Beauford T. Anderson Park located where the original business district of Soldiers Grove once resided. The park features playgrounds, picnic shelters, skate park, soldier memorials and a full service campground.

Wildcat Mountain State Park is a short drive from Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin and features over 25 miles of hiking trails. Other outdoor activities to take advantage of include canoeing or kayaking on the Kickapoo River, biking along the Elroy-Sparta Trail, mountain biking in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve or taking in the scenery along the Great River Road. If visiting in the fall, be sure to make time to visit the apple orchards in the neighboring Gay Mills.

Where to Stay in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Whether you prefer the comforts of a bed and breakfast or camping, there are several lodging options for visitors to call home while visiting this green travel destination. The campground at the Beauford T. Anderson allows campers to enjoy the outdoors and provides easy access to the Kickapoo River. Located in the heart of solar village, Country Gardens Motel and Lounge feature 14 rooms equipped with all the amenities you'd expect. If a bed and breakfast is more your style, there are three in town including the Inn at Lonesome Hollow which is a certified Travel Green Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.

Sources:

Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin: http://www.soldiersgrove.com/Visitor%20Info.htm

Small Wisconsin Villages Leads the Nation: Rebuilds Above Floodwaters http://www.fema.gov/mitigationbp/bestPracticeDetailPDF.do?mitssId=4886

Travel Green Wisconsin - http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/Travel+Green+Wisconsin.aspx

Wildcat Mountain State Park http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/wildcat/